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Post by flossieskid on Jun 28, 2021 8:45:02 GMT -5
I often wonder, since so much about how TV shows and movies are made is available for any interested fan to learn, do the fans LIKE to have the “magic” exposed? Do most fans enjoy knowing how a scene is designed, staged and then filmed - or do they really not care and pay their attention to the story, as a whole? Sometimes, I think finding out about all the ins and outs of show biz can be disheartening for the average fan. But, here is a story about one of those actors who honed their craft during the “Golden Age of Hollywood.”
My last reference to “North by Northwest, I PROMISE: My Dad’s scene, as a hotel valet, was to bring Cary Grant or “George Kaplan” (the mysterious character Cary is trying to find) his pressed clothes. Usually, before a scene, the director will discuss how he wants all the actors to participate in the scene. Then, as I have mentioned before, they film the master shot (everyone in the frame) then close-ups with each actor in that scene.
Well, Alfred Hitchcock didn’t really do a lot of “directing” (according to my parents’ experience) so the 1st A.D. (the Assistant Director) came to my Dad and said. “Jimmy, try to get this scene in one take. A family member of Cary’s is dying and he has to catch a plane for London in 2 hours!”
Good Lord! That is the absolute WORSE thing you can say to an actor, right before their scene! Well, my Dad did the master shot perfectly and they did Cary’s close up without any mistakes. So, my Dad said to Mr. Hitchcock (who would deign to sit in the Director’s chair even if he didn’t do much directing!) that for my Dad’s close-up, he said the Script Supervisor could read Cary Grant’s lines, so Cary could leave to catch his plane to London.
Many times, big stars “can’t be bothered” to sit off camera (to the side) and read their lines while another actor is getting their own close-up shot. They just leave and have someone in the crew read the lines so when the camera is filming another actor’s close up, they will be reacting to just the words - most crew are NOT actors, and the energy, timing and the correct feeling or emotion for the interaction of the characters is missing completely!
But, Cary Grant said, “No, Jimmy, I want to do the whole scene with you.” My Dad replied, “I know you need to rush to catch a plane, so anyone else can read your lines.” Cary tried to ease my Dad’s concerns with a little humor and told him, “What? Do you think someone can do my part better than me? I have plenty of time. Thank you for thinking of me, but I always finish the whole scene. I feel it is just common courtesy and respect for the other actor.” Who was my Dad to argue with Cary Grant?!?
That is the way it should be - for every actor. My father worked with some of the best: Henry Fonda, Burt Lancaster, James Cagney, Gary Cooper to name a few. Every single one of those mega stars knew how to act like a professional when on set and to extend courtesy and respect to the other actors they’re working with. Sadly, I have been on sets when younger actors walk off the set to let a “character actor” finish their close-up scene with the script girl!
After my Dad finished his close up and Hitchcock yelled “Cut”, Cary Grant jumped up and rushed up to my father and gave him a big hug and gleefully exclaimed, “Thank you dear Jimmy. You are the best! Now I can get out of here and I won’t miss my plane!”
The amazing actors of the “Golden Age of Hollywood” had heathy egos, but they realized you don’t demand respect on a film set - you earn it by your behavior and the way you treat those around you. From what I heard from my Mom, every single actor who appeared on the Waltons had that respect and professionalism ingrained in them. That is why it was such a happy set!
Maybe some of you have wondered how I can remember the exact words said by my parents or others I have quoted. I was smart enough to keep a diary while growing up and, after my Mom died, I would speak with my Dad about his career and write down somewhat of an “oral history” with his direct quotes. My Mom’s quotes were written in my diaries, too, from the time I was 7.
But, this brings me back to my initial question: do fans WANT to know all the magic happening behind the scenes, or do they just sit back and enjoy the final product?? Would love to hear some thoughts from the the Walton fans. Thank you….
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Post by Brenda on Jun 28, 2021 10:47:44 GMT -5
Judy Norton’s “Behind the scenes” videos, posted here, are full of info about how scenes are filmed. Kami posts info like this on Facebook. I find all of it very interesting, and I think others do too, judging by the thousands of responses they both get. Thank you for sharing the Cary Grant story. I think people in general tend to be less considerate of others than they were back in those days. It’s a sad sign of our fast-paced lives where people spend more time looking at their phones than they spend with the people they care about. I wondered how you remembered so many events of the past. Keeping a diary was a great idea. Have you ever thought about writing a book? |
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Post by Easton on Jun 28, 2021 13:40:42 GMT -5
I, for one, completely become engrossed in 'the making of' info. Knowing the secrets doesn't spoil whatever I'm watching. For instance, here's something you may not know. When Kubrick made '2001', there were not computer graphics. Everything was done by models, so the model spaceships in 2001 were hung on wires and manipulated as necessary. But Kubrick was aware that, despite any precautions taken, sometimes the wires end up appearing on the screen. His remedy? He hung the models from the side instead of the top and then tipped the camera 90 degrees. When viewed on the screen, if wires could be seen, they were coming out of the sides of the screen rather than the top. Audiences would never think to look for wires on the sides of the model.
I also heard a story of a member of the production team for the film 'Lifeboat'. It appears that the story teller had to relay a message to Hitchcock that the star, Tallulah Bankhead, was, as it were, not wearing panties. Hitchcock became deeply pensive for a few long moments wondering what he should do. He finally said something to the effect of, "Oh, my. Do we call wardrobe or make-up?"
As for Cary Grant, like many actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood, he had no ego. We don't see much of that in today's actors.
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Post by goodnight on Jun 28, 2021 15:33:28 GMT -5
Well, when I like a movie, I love to watch the bonus material. Sometimes included as an extra disc in a DVD package. I like to learn about the making of the films.
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Post by flossieskid on Jun 28, 2021 20:02:27 GMT -5
Brenda, thanks for the info on Judy Norton. I will have to check out those videos. Funny, you should mention me writing a book. I started one about a year ago with tons of info about my experiences starting as a child of character actors and all the incredible people who were dear friends and some who were just a handshake or a quick hello. I will have to get off my duff and finish it! But, as all of the Forum fans can tell, editing is not my strong suit! I just never know what to cut out!
Easton, I love the 2 stories! Never knew about either of them. Fascinating story about 2001 and the models. I must admit, I am probably the ONLY person in Hollywood (except my son who agrees with me) but I am not a fan of that movie. Come to think of it, I must not be a Stanley Kubrick fan at all! I don’t like ANY of his movies. I know I am in a minority, but there - I said it - I own it and my son and I can stand strong together as the anti Kubrick club!
Glad to know that most fans like to hear the real behind the scenes info. Will look forward to any and all input from other fans and what they think about “peeking behind the curtain” in Hollywood!
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Post by e knight on Jun 28, 2021 20:50:27 GMT -5
I, for one, completely become engrossed in 'the making of' info. ... ... I also heard a story of a member of the production team for the film 'Lifeboat'. It appears that the story teller had to relay a message to Hitchcock that the star, Tallulah Bankhead, was, as it were, not wearing panties. Hitchcock became deeply pensive for a few long moments wondering what he should do. He finally said something to the effect of, "Oh, my. Do we call wardrobe or make-up?" As for Cary Grant, like many actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood, he had no ego. We don't see much of that in today's actors.
Once, some gorgeous and haughty starlet told Hitchcock to be careful to "shoot her good side." "Madame,," he allegedly replied, "you're sitting on your good side." |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2021 21:19:23 GMT -5
Once, some gorgeous and haughty starlet told Hitchcock to be careful to "shoot her good side." "Madame,," he allegedly replied, "you're sitting on your good side." Was it my girl, Tippi? She is beautiful in the Birds. I love, love, love watching her in this. |
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Post by e knight on Jun 29, 2021 7:34:26 GMT -5
Once, some gorgeous and haughty starlet told Hitchcock to be careful to "shoot her good side." "Madame,," he allegedly replied, "you're sitting on your good side." Was it my girl, Tippi? She is beautiful in the Birds. I love, love, love watching her in this. Not sure who it was, but that's a reasonable guess. When MAD did its send-up of The Birds, they christened her as "Tipsy Headrinse"! |
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Post by patriciaanne on Jul 14, 2021 10:42:11 GMT -5
Judy Norton’s “Behind the scenes” videos, posted here, are full of info about how scenes are filmed. Kami posts info like this on Facebook. I find all of it very interesting, and I think others do too, judging by the thousands of responses they both get. Thank you for sharing the Cary Grant story. I think people in general tend to be less considerate of others than they were back in those days. It’s a sad sign of our fast-paced lives where people spend more time looking at their phones than they spend with the people they care about. I wondered how you remembered so many events of the past. Keeping a diary was a great idea. Have you ever thought about writing a book? I was thinking the same thing, Brenda. People in general are simply not as considerate. We truly have devolved as a species in many ways. 😔 |
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Post by patriciaanne on Jul 14, 2021 10:46:32 GMT -5
Brenda, thanks for the info on Judy Norton. I will have to check out those videos. Funny, you should mention me writing a book. I started one about a year ago with tons of info about my experiences starting as a child of character actors and all the incredible people who were dear friends and some who were just a handshake or a quick hello. I will have to get off my duff and finish it! But, as all of the Forum fans can tell, editing is not my strong suit! I just never know what to cut out! Easton, I love the 2 stories! Never knew about either of them. Fascinating story about 2001 and the models. I must admit, I am probably the ONLY person in Hollywood (except my son who agrees with me) but I am not a fan of that movie. Come to think of it, I must not be a Stanley Kubrick fan at all! I don’t like ANY of his movies. I know I am in a minority, but there - I said it - I own it and my son and I can stand strong together as the anti Kubrick club! Glad to know that most fans like to hear the real behind the scenes info. Will look forward to any and all input from other fans and what they think about “peeking behind the curtain” in Hollywood! I LOVE learning all the inside scoop!! It makes it so much more fun for me. It doesn't detract from my enjoyment of the show in any way! I wish I had written down all of my father's NYPD stories, although I can still recite a fair amount of them. I sure do miss hearing them. 💗 |
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Post by Easton on Jul 19, 2021 7:35:57 GMT -5
The Golden Age of Hollywood Back When Movies Were Magic
The Friends of Mr. Cairo - Jon Anderson & Vangelis
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